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My first thoughts upon walking into San Francisco Oven (1845 E. Sunshine St.; 417-886-4736; sanfranciscooven.com) for a business lunch were: “There’s no way we’re going to get any work done.” The place was packed—and loud. It felt less like a café and more like a mall food court. SFO’s premium location on Sunshine Street (just east of Glenstone Avenue) likely plays a role in that.

Fortunately, “busy” in no way equated to “lousy.” The line to order was speedy and the staff courteous. I ordered one of SFO’s signature brick-fired pizzas (California BBQ chicken to be exact) with a bowl of tomato vegetable chowder. My colleague, 417 Magazine editor (and GO’s Mr. Foodie) Greg Holman, picked an avocado chicken sandwich with a pasta salad side.

We sat outside, which was the quietest option. The table service was fairly speedy for being so busy, and the food didn’t disappoint. The pizza, while not quite on par with those downtown, beats the pants off of most chain options, and the chowder will become a wintertime staple. Greg loved his sandwich, but wasn’t wild about the pasta salad—I caught him eyeing my soup on at least one occasion.

Even though we were sitting in the sun, I tried a cup of Fog City coffee. The French vanilla blend was fantastic—it looks like I have another place to drop into my morning java rotation, as well.
Chain-crazy Springfield has already made this place an overnight sensation. Luckily, San Francisco Oven is one chain that appears to deserve it.

Matt Lemmon

July 05, 2006